Dell Inspiron 8100 User Manual

Dell Inspiron 8100
Dell™ Inspiron™ 8100
A Tour of Your Computer
Power Conservation
Solving Problems
System Specifications
Reinstalling Software
System Setup Program
Ports and Connector Pin-Outs
Removing and Replacing Parts
Hints, Notices, and Cautions
HINT: A HINT indicates important information that helps you make better use of
your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of
data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage,
personal injury, or death.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Tell Me How help file (click
the Start button on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop, point to Programs—>
User's Guides, and click Tell Me How).
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Dell Inspiron 8100 Specifications

General

Processor Speed	700 MHz - 1.13 GHz
Chipset	Intel 815EM
Memory Type	SDRAM
Maximum Memory	512 MB
Hard Drive Interface	ATA-100
Display Size	15 inches
Processor	Intel Pentium III
RAM	64 MB - 512 MB
Display Resolution	1400 x 1050 (SXGA+) or 1600 x 1200 (UXGA)
Graphics Card	NVIDIA GeForce2 Go
Optical Drive	DVD-ROM or CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo
Operating System	Windows 2000
Weight	3.5 kg (7.7 lbs)
Battery Life	Up to 3 hours
Ports	Parallel, Serial, VGA, USB, Modem, Ethernet, Audio
Wireless	Optional 802.11b

Summary

Hints, Notices, and Cautions

Abbreviations and Acronyms

A Tour of Your Computer

Front View Overview

Describes the front panel components like buttons, lights, and bays.

Side and Back Ports

Details connectors on left, right, and back views of the laptop.

Key Controls and Indicators

Covers power button, volume controls, and status lights.

Internal Components

Discusses air intake for cooling the system.

Power Conservation

Conservation Tips

Advice on saving battery power and extending battery life.

Power Saving Modes

Explains standby and hibernate modes for power saving.

Power Options Configuration

How to configure power settings via Windows control panel.

Solving Problems

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Covers power, start-up, display, sound, printer, modem, scanner, drive, network problems.

Software and System Errors

Covers program issues and common Windows errors.

Handling Physical Damage

Covers procedures for water damage or dropping the computer.

Accessing Help and Support

How to find further assistance through help files and Dell.

System Specifications

Core Component Specs

Covers Microprocessor, System Information, Memory, and PC Card details.

Ports and Interfaces

Details all physical connectors and their specifications.

Multimedia and Display Specs

Covers Video, Audio, and Display characteristics.

Input and Power Specifications

Covers Keyboard, Touch Pad, Modem, Battery, and AC Adapter.

Reinstalling Software

Overview and Drivers

General information and steps for reinstalling drivers and utilities.

Operating System Reinstallation

Steps for reinstalling Windows Millennium Edition and Windows 2000.

System Setup Program

Standard Settings and Pages

Basic configurations and overview of system setup screens.

Accessing Setup

Instructions on how to enter and navigate the system setup utility.

Ports and Connector Pin-Outs

Common Ports Pinouts

Pinouts for Serial, Parallel, PS/2, USB, and Video connectors.

High-Speed and Docking Interfaces

Pinouts for Docking and IEEE-1394 connectors.

Removing and Replacing Parts

Preparation and Tools

Safety guidelines, required tools, and screw identification.

Major Component Replacement

Instructions for replacing Hard Drive, Optical Drive, Memory, Mini PCI, Keyboard, Display.

Internal Module Replacement

Instructions for replacing Thermal Cooling, Microprocessor, Video Card, Palm Rest, Reserve Battery, System Board.

Assembly and Connector Replacements

Instructions for replacing Latches, Charger Board, LED, Fan, RJ-11/RJ-45.